13th century A.D.. Vesica-shaped and fitted with attachment loop, legend in Latin script around a stylised bird, reading 'S. SARE FIL.SARE' i.e. 'SEAL OF SARE DAUGHTER OF SARE', a stylised flower to the reverse. Cf. similar examples in Bailey, G., Finds Identified, Witham, 2000, pp.25-29. 136 grams, 17 x 13 cm (6 3/4 x 5 1/8 in.).

The lady of a wealthy family of merchants would have had her own small seal used for sealing her private letters, and the design of the matrix would have reflected this. On the vesica seals the legend around the border usually started at 12 o'clock position with a cross or a star (like here) and the word sigillum (seal) often indicated only by the letter S. Then, normally, the name of the owner and the one of the parent, after the letter F. (FILIUS or FILIA = son or daughter).

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968. [No Reserve]